Can someone explain what I should be looking for in the initial failure stage of a torque converter. I think I may have one going bad but since I’ve never blown one out, I’m not sure if I’m looking in the right place. Let me explain:
Stats first..
TH 350 in an 81 Camaro. Transmission sits behind a supercharged 383. I won’t burn up the thread with all the engine details, but the calculated HP for the setup should be around 450+ hp. I rebuilt the transmission about 800 miles ago (my first rebuild – may be some of the problem..) One of the bad choices I made during the build-up was to purchase a “bargain” 2400 stall converter on E-Bay. I don’t remember the brand name, but I hadn’t heard of them before, and I’m sure you all haven’t either.
Anyway – 5 or 600 miles of break-in around town and I went to the strip for 10 or 12 all out runs on an 1/8 mile track. I now have what sounds a bit like a bearing failure somewhere in the drive train. I have the noise regardless of the gear, or even if the car is moving. I’m targeting the torque converter because I have no dought that I greatly exceeded the abuse this cheapo torque convert should take.
Long story short, can someone give me some examples of TC failure signs and / or experience? Or maybe TC failure is more catastrophic instead of slowly (i.e. “self-destruct"). Your experience and advice is appreciated
Thanks
- Stan
Stats first..
TH 350 in an 81 Camaro. Transmission sits behind a supercharged 383. I won’t burn up the thread with all the engine details, but the calculated HP for the setup should be around 450+ hp. I rebuilt the transmission about 800 miles ago (my first rebuild – may be some of the problem..) One of the bad choices I made during the build-up was to purchase a “bargain” 2400 stall converter on E-Bay. I don’t remember the brand name, but I hadn’t heard of them before, and I’m sure you all haven’t either.
Anyway – 5 or 600 miles of break-in around town and I went to the strip for 10 or 12 all out runs on an 1/8 mile track. I now have what sounds a bit like a bearing failure somewhere in the drive train. I have the noise regardless of the gear, or even if the car is moving. I’m targeting the torque converter because I have no dought that I greatly exceeded the abuse this cheapo torque convert should take.
Long story short, can someone give me some examples of TC failure signs and / or experience? Or maybe TC failure is more catastrophic instead of slowly (i.e. “self-destruct"). Your experience and advice is appreciated
Thanks
- Stan